Lab+4

1. Write three paragraphs on how Annie Leonard defines the system of the 'materials economy' and describes its interactions.
Annie Leonard defines the system of the materials economy and describes its interactions in an interactive way through a flash presentation of the stages involved in the system of the 'materials economy.' The stages are steps that clearly explain what happens with our 'stuff' which are things we consume such as an iPod. The flash animations show us that the 'materials economy' is a linear system by laying out the stages of the system of the materials economy in a line.

Leonard talks about the interactions that are not included in the system, but are part of it. People's positions in the system are not clearly identified by the system which is one of the issues with this system. Another issue with this system is that the way its structured is harmful to our environment because the practices that are not environment friendly are carried out throughout the system. Leonard points out that we can create an effective, and efficient system by changing the way things are done in the system.

Leonard talks about the issues, resources, people involved and outcome of each stage in the system. She applies some terms to the different stages to describe each stage clearly. Some of the terms that were covered in the flash presentation are perceived obsolescence, planned obsolescence, externalization of cost, moral right, upstream and downstream. Leonard provides some statistics throughout her presentation to support her description of the system.

2. Define extraction, production, distribution, consumption and disposal. (One paragraph for each term)
Extraction is the process taking out resources from the natural environment to create stuff. This process is the first stage in the system of the materials economy. The way people extract in the materials economy is harmful to the environment because resources are not used efficiently, and effectively.
 * Extraction**

Production is the process of creating 'stuff.' This is the stage that follows extraction from which resources are taken to be used in the production process. Leonard points out in her presentation that natural resources are mixed with toxic chemicals in the production stage which create toxic 'stuff' that harm our environment.
 * Production**

Distribution is the process of distributing stuff to markets, and retailers which sell the 'stuff.' This stage distributes 'stuff' produced in the production stage to markets, and retailers in order for them to sell the 'stuff' to consumers. Leonard talks about the things that sellers hide from consumers such as the externalized costs.
 * Distribution**

Consumption is about the way people consume stuff. This stage explains how people use the stuff that is distributed them. Leonard talks about the attachment of 'stuff' to people by talking about our consumer culture. The consumer culture is created by people with higher authority who have attached values to this culture.
 * Consumption**

Disposal Disposal is the stage about what happens when stuff are disposed after consumption. It includes methods that are currently used to dispose 'stuff' that are thrown out by people. Leonard points out that the way 'stuff' are disposed are not effective since they harm the environment. This stage is the outcome of wrong practices that are carried out in the system of the 'materials economy.'

3. How does her Flash presentation effectively organize the categories comprising 'the materials economy' in its interface design? (2 paragraphs)
The flash presentation effectively organizes the categories comprising the materials economy in its interface design in a simple and interactive way. The flash presentation is accessible to people with, and without disabilities. The inclusion of flash animations and hand gestures of what she is talking about make it accessible to people with disabilities. Viewers can pause and play the video whenever they want which can make it easier for them to concentrate on a specific category discussed in the flash presentation.

There are some icons above the flash presentation for each stage in the system of the 'materials economy' and for other information that make it easier for people to go, or return to a specific stage in the system of the 'materials economy.' The icon for the stages display two links when they are clicked. Each icon has a link for playing the chapter about a specific stage, and another link that allows the viewer to access a summary of the stage. There is an icon for the introduction of the video and another icon that encourages the viewer to get involved in order to create a system that is effective and efficient. There are multiple ways for the viewer to understand what Leonard is talking about which makes this flash presentation effective in its explanation of the stages in the 'materials economy.'